Standard Chartered has become the first Global Systemically Important Bank to offer institutional clients integrated access to USDC minting and redemption, marking a significant step in the convergence of traditional banking and digital asset infrastructure.
The capability, developed in partnership with Circle Internet Group, the issuer of USDC, allows clients to mint and redeem the stablecoin through a single onboarding and service experience without needing separate accounts with Circle.
The launch connects fiat banking, digital asset infrastructure and public blockchain networks within one bank-led solution, enabling institutions to move value across financial ecosystems with greater speed and transparency. It supports use cases including on-chain settlement, treasury operations and liquidity management, and lays the groundwork for future payment-related applications.
By embedding USDC access directly into its institutional offering, Standard Chartered brings together banking, custody and digital asset services under the same risk management, compliance and governance standards that apply to its broader operations.
The capability is initially available to eligible clients through Standard Chartered's Dubai International Financial Centre operations, reinforcing the UAE's growing role as a hub for regulated digital asset activity. It represents the first phase of a broader global stablecoin strategy, with the bank planning to expand into additional markets pending regulatory approvals.
Roberto Hoornweg, Chief Executive Officer of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Chartered, said institutional clients are seeking the same trust and governance in digital assets that underpin traditional markets, and that the launch extends those standards into a fast-evolving segment of the financial system.
Kash Razzaghi, Chief Commercial Officer at Circle, said the partnership helps institutions access stablecoins while maintaining the compliance and risk controls they expect from established financial infrastructure.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
